Ashes of Creation is entering one of its biggest moments yet. After years of previews, testing waves, and community-driven updates, Alpha Two is officially coming to Steam this December, bringing a massive wave of new players into Verra.
Ashes of Creation Is Coming to Steam
Intrepid Studios is preparing a huge update with the v0.18 Harbinger patch, a full Alpha Two wipe, and a unified Early Access phase where Steam and Intrepid Account players can finally play together.
Whether you have been following the game since Kickstarter or you are just now discovering it, this guide will walk you through how to join Alpha Two, what Early Access really means, how bundles work, and everything you can expect throughout this next phase of development.
Let’s dive in.
The arrival of Ashes of Creation on Steam is huge for the community. Starting in December, players will be able to wishlist and follow the game directly on Valve’s platform, making updates easier to track while boosting the game’s visibility.
For the team at Intrepid, wishlisting is more than a notification tool. It directly supports development and helps the project grow inside Steam’s algorithm.
If you want to stay updated on release plans, community events, and testing windows, head to Steam and click Add to Wishlist. You can also follow the page to receive dev updates the moment they go live.
Upcoming Testing Windows and Schedule
While Intrepid prepares for the Harbinger Update, the Lotharia (EU) and Shol (US) realms are temporarily offline, with all testing happening inside the PTR. Here is the full schedule as we approach launch:
Alpha Two Realm Availability
- November 15 to 16
- November 26 to December 1
- December 1 features a full Community Event with max level vendors, special mounts, and corruption sweeping across the world
PTR Testing
- November 17 to 25
- December 2 to December 10
- Focused balance tests, surveys, and targeted feedback
- Exploit and dupe hunting rewards for first reproducible reports
v0.18 Harbinger Update and Early Access Launch
- December 11
- Full Alpha Two wipe
- Lotharia and Shol return, with the possibility of additional realms
- Steam and Intrepid players play together from day one
- PTR continues as needed
This is the biggest testing cycle Ashes of Creation has had so far and sets the stage for Early Access.
Do You Need To Move To Steam?
No. Existing Intrepid Account players can continue playing as always. Nothing about your current access changes. Steam is completely optional. If you only want the convenience of launching from Steam, you can add the game as a non-Steam title.
If you want to actually play through Steam, a Steam purchase is required. Both platforms fully support cross-play.
Why The Game Is Entering Early Access
Ashes of Creation is built around a reactive world. Nodes rise and fall based on what players do, economies shift as guilds compete for resources, and world events trigger according to the decisions of the server. Because the world depends on player activity, live testing is essential.
Early Access allows Intrepid to:
- Stress test core systems
- Collect crucial data
- Balance combat and archetypes
- Track settlement progression
- Test world events and sieges
- Refine crafting, economy loops, and PvP behavior
Every bug report and every session helps shape Verra’s long-term identity.
How Long Will Early Access Last
Early Access begins on December 11, 2025, and continues until the game reaches the level of polish and stability that Intrepid considers launch-ready. There is no fixed end date.
The roadmap includes progressing from Alpha Two into Beta One, then Beta Two, eventually leading to the official release.
Current State of the Game
Ashes of Creation is very much in active alpha. Players should expect unfinished systems, unstable builds, placeholder assets, and realm wipes.
This is not a polished experience yet. It is a development environment designed for iteration and data gathering. Early Access players are joining a true testing phase, not a final product.
Early Access Price and Shop Changes
Starting December 11, the Early Access Bundle will cost 49.99 USD on both Steam and the official shop. It includes
Alpha Two access
Beta One access
Beta Two access
One month of game time
Access to the NDA PTR
A non-exclusive cosmetic cloakFrom December 11 to 25, the bundle will be discounted to 42.49 USD. A harmonized regional pricing model will also be applied on Steam.
Cosmetics will be available individually, and the existing Third Wave Bundle will be retired.
Who Gets Early Access
Anyone who already owns Alpha One, Alpha Two, Beta One, or Beta Two automatically enters Early Access on December 11. No extra purchase needed.
Current Alpha Two testers also receive the Early Access cloak, as well as the following rewards:
- Autumn Guarden mount for reaching level 25 during Early Access
-
Titles for anyone who played before December 11
- Cultist of the Eternal Fire
- Knight of the White Flame
These titles alter dye appearances on the cloak depending on which one is equipped.
How To Wishlist the Game on Steam
Beginning November 14, players can visit the Ashes of Creation Steam page, click Add to Wishlist, and select Follow.
This keeps you updated on the game’s launch timing, events, and development posts.
How To Buy Alpha Two Bundles
If you want access before Early Access officially begins, bundles were available through 2024 and 2025, offering different entry waves. Although the wave system was controversial at first, Intrepid updated each bundle to include Beta access and additional perks based on community feedback.
How to Purchase
- Visit the Ashes of Creation website
- Click Join the Alpha
- Select the bundle you want
- Log in or create an account
- Complete your purchase
Final Thoughts
Ashes of Creation is still evolving, and Alpha Two marks the most ambitious phase yet. With the Steam launch, a complete wipe, major system updates, new rewards, and unified servers, this is the perfect moment to jump into Verra and start shaping the world alongside the community.